1965 Lamborghini 350GT

Written by Donald Osborne

Mathieu Heurtault, courtesy of Gooding & Company

Between 1964 and 1966, just 120 of the magnificent, alloy-bodied Lamborghini 350GTs were made, and the car on offer, chassis 0343, is one of the more original survivors. According to factory records, 0343 was delivered in Grigio St. Vincent with a Tobacco pigskin interior. The car was registered on Madrid plates, M589925, and would remain in Spain for over 40 years. It reportedly was kept by just two owners and remained continuously registered on these same plates that were issued in 1966.

In 2009, the 350GT was sold to noted Lamborghini collector Isao Noritake of Aichi, Japan. Mr. Noritake is the well-known chairman of the Japan Lamborghini Owners Club, which he co-founded in 1988. The car was repainted in Pino Verde (Pine Green) and then joined his private museum, where for a time it was a stablemate of the GTV prototype.

When the current owner acquired this Lamborghini and brought it to the United States in 2015, it was inspected and serviced as necessary. The work included cleaning the carburetors and replacing the spark plugs, wires and all filters. The engine, gearbox, and differential oil were replaced, the brakes were overhauled with new pads fitted, and the suspension bushings and tie-rod ends were renewed. More recently, the 350GT has received new tires and refinished brightwork, and the paint has been expertly refinished in the correct original Grigio St. Vincent.

Displaying 97,237 km (60,420 miles) at the time of cataloging, this 350GT has been sympathetically preserved by just three documented private owners. This 350GT stands as one of the finest, largely unrestored examples remaining, and would be a thrill to experience on the open road, where its lively performance capabilities and impeccable balance will surely reward its next fortunate caretaker.